10 Must-Visit Tea Rooms in Tennessee for True Tea Lovers
Tennessee might be famous for country music and smoky mountains, but hidden throughout the state are charming tea rooms serving delicious brews and tasty treats. From cozy mountain hideaways to elegant downtown spots, these special places offer peaceful escapes where you can sip premium teas and enjoy homemade pastries.
Whether you’re a serious tea enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing afternoon with friends, Tennessee’s tea rooms promise memorable experiences worth discovering.
1. Wild Plum Tea Room — Gatlinburg
Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, this delightful spot combines mountain charm with refined tea service. Wild Plum welcomes guests with warm hospitality and a menu bursting with creative lunch options alongside classic tea selections. The atmosphere feels like visiting a friend’s cozy cabin, complete with rustic decor and mountain views.
Their afternoon tea service includes finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and delicate desserts that change seasonally. Local ingredients often make appearances in their recipes, giving everything a special Tennessee twist.
After exploring downtown Gatlinburg’s shops and attractions, stopping here provides the perfect restful break. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons when the mountains draw crowds from everywhere.
2. Miss Ashley’s Tearoom Cafe and Catering — Clarksville
Stepping inside feels like entering your grandmother’s elegant dining room, where everything sparkles with care and attention. Miss Ashley’s has built a reputation for exceptional service and mouthwatering menu items that go beyond typical tearoom fare.
Their lunch menu features hearty salads, quiches, and sandwiches that satisfy even the hungriest visitors. Tea lovers appreciate the extensive selection of loose-leaf varieties, each brewed to perfection. Don’t skip dessert—their homemade cakes and pies have become legendary among regular customers.
3. The Mad Herbalist — Clarksville
With a whimsical name inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this quirky establishment takes tea seriously while keeping things fun and approachable. The Mad Herbalist specializes in herbal wellness teas alongside traditional favorites, making it a destination for health-conscious tea drinkers.
Knowledgeable staff help customers navigate the impressive tea collection, explaining benefits and flavor profiles with genuine enthusiasm. Many teas are blended in-house using quality herbs and ingredients sourced responsibly. You can enjoy a cup on-site or purchase loose-leaf varieties to brew at home.
Workshops and tasting events happen regularly, teaching proper brewing techniques and tea appreciation. For Clarksville residents and visitors alike, this spot offers something refreshingly different from typical coffee shop culture.
4. Kimmi’s Tea Room — McMinnville
Picture a Victorian-style parlor transported to small-town Tennessee, and you’ll understand Kimmi’s appeal perfectly. This family-owned gem treats every guest like royalty, serving afternoon tea with genuine warmth and attention to detail. Vintage furniture, lace curtains, and antique teapots create an atmosphere that transports visitors to a gentler era.
The traditional afternoon tea service arrives on three-tiered stands loaded with savory sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and miniature desserts. Each item is prepared from scratch using family recipes passed down through generations. The tea menu features both classic varieties and unique blends you won’t find elsewhere.
McMinnville’s location between Nashville and Chattanooga makes Kimmi’s a perfect road trip stop.
5. The Kraken’s Cup – Tea Room — Knoxville
The Kraken’s Cup proves tea culture can be playful and accessible without sacrificing quality or flavor. Nautical decor, treasure chest tables, and oceanic color schemes create an unforgettable setting for your tea experience.
Their menu cleverly names drinks after sea legends and maritime mythology, making ordering part of the fun. Beyond creative presentation, the teas themselves are carefully selected and expertly prepared. Food offerings include hearty sandwiches, soups, and baked goods that complement the beverage selection beautifully.
Board games are available for guests who want to linger over multiple cups.
6. Applecake Tea Room — Knoxville
Applecake’s owners believe tea time should feel like gathering around a welcoming table where everyone belongs. The decor strikes a balance between fancy and friendly, with comfortable seating and beautiful table settings that don’t feel intimidating.
Seasonal menus keep things fresh and interesting throughout the year, showcasing local produce when possible. Their signature apple cake naturally appears on the dessert menu, alongside other tempting sweets and savories. The tea collection includes familiar favorites plus rotating specialty options that encourage trying something new.
Walk-ins are welcome when space permits, though calling ahead ensures you’ll get seated promptly.
7. Just Divine Tea Room — Halls
Tucked away in the small community of Halls, this hidden treasure rewards those who seek it out with exceptional tea and delightful hospitality. Just Divine lives up to its name, offering an experience that feels almost heavenly in its peaceful simplicity. The intimate space means personalized attention and a quiet atmosphere perfect for conversation or contemplation.
Everything served here tastes homemade because it is—from the soup of the day to the delicate tea cookies. The owner’s passion for tea shines through in the carefully curated selection and knowledgeable recommendations. Portions are generous, ensuring guests leave satisfied and already planning their return visit.
8. Lulu’s Tea Room — Powell
Bright, cheerful, and bursting with personality, Lulu’s brings joy to the Powell community through excellent tea and delicious food. The colorful decor reflects the owner’s vibrant spirit and commitment to creating a happy gathering place. Mismatched vintage teacups add whimsical charm, and each table feels like a unique experience waiting to happen.
Lunch options go beyond typical tearoom sandwiches, offering creative combinations and hearty portions that satisfy diverse appetites. The dessert case tempts with rotating selections of cakes, pies, and pastries baked fresh daily. Tea choices range from comforting classics to adventurous blends that surprise and delight your taste buds.
Regular customers praise the friendly service that makes everyone feel like valued friends rather than just customers.
9. Tea Time: A British Touch — Trenton
Authentic British tea culture comes alive in Trenton through this delightful establishment run by genuine tea enthusiasts. Tea Time recreates the traditional English tearoom experience with proper attention to customs and quality. From the moment you enter, Union Jack accents and British memorabilia transport you across the Atlantic without leaving Tennessee.
The afternoon tea service follows classic British format, complete with proper etiquette and presentation. Scones arrive warm with clotted cream and jam, while finger sandwiches feature traditional fillings like cucumber and smoked salmon. The tea selection emphasizes British favorites, though other international varieties also appear on the menu.
Owners share their knowledge enthusiastically, explaining tea traditions and answering questions about British culture.
10. Tiny Tea House in the Trees — Holladay
Imagine sipping tea in a magical treehouse setting, and you’ve captured the essence of this extraordinary destination. Tiny Tea House lives up to its name with a compact space elevated among the branches, creating an enchanting atmosphere unlike any other tearoom.
Despite its small size, the menu impresses with quality over quantity, featuring carefully selected teas and simple yet delicious food options. The treehouse setting limits capacity, ensuring an intimate experience where you can truly disconnect from daily stress.
Booking ahead is absolutely essential since space is extremely limited and demand runs high year-round. The unique concept has attracted attention from travel bloggers and tea enthusiasts across the region. Located in rural Holladay, the journey becomes part of the adventure, rewarding visitors with unforgettable memories.
